KR20210081440A - Improved glass sheet holding structure - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting one or more sheets may include a frame and a support panel. The frame may include a base, a rear portion, two side portions, a beveled portion and a middle portion. The rear portion may be connected to the rear side of the base. Each side portion may be connected to one of the lateral sides and the rear portion of the base. The beveled portion may be connected to the base between the front side and the rear side and to the two side portions. The middle portion may be between the rear portion and the beveled portion, and may be connected to the beveled portion and the two side portions. The support panel may be configured to interface with the inclined portion. The frame may further include one or more inclined members positioned between and connecting one of the middle portion and the rear portion or the inclined portion and the intermediate portion.

Description

Improved glass sheet holding structure

<Cross-reference to related applications>

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/769,158, filed on November 19, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Glass manufacturers often ship large glass panes to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who process the plates for use in phones and other devices (eg, tablets, televisions, monitors, etc.). Large glass plates are susceptible to scratches or other damage during transportation, making all or part of the glass plates unsuitable for manufacturing. Defective glass plates increase costs for both glass manufacturers and OEMs.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus for supporting one or more glass sheets is provided. The device may include a frame and a support panel. The frame may include a base, a rear portion, first and second side portions, and an inclined portion, and a middle portion. The base may include a front side, a rear side and two lateral sides, each lateral side connecting the rear side and the front side. The rear portion may be connected to the base proximate to the rear side of the base. Each side portion may be connected to the base proximate to one of the lateral sides of the base and further connected to the rear portion. The inclined portion may be connected to the base between the front side and the rear side, and further connected to the first and second side portions. The middle portion may be between the rear portion and the beveled portion and may be connected to the beveled portion and the first and second side portions. The support panel may be configured to interface with the inclined portion. The frame may further include one or more inclined members positioned between and connecting to any one of the middle portion and the rear portion, or the inclined portion and the intermediate portion.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a seat support frame is provided. The seat support frame includes a base, a rear section, two side sections, a support section, and an intermediate section. The base includes a front side, a rear side, and two lateral sides. The rear section includes a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members. The vertical and horizontal members are each in the rear section plane. One of the plurality of vertical members is connected to the base proximate to one of the rear side and the lateral sides. Another one of the plurality of vertical members is connected to the base proximate to the other of the lateral sides. Each of the plurality of horizontal members spans from one of the lateral sides to the other of the lateral sides such that each of the plurality of horizontal members engages a respective member of the plurality of vertical members. One of the plurality of horizontal members is further connected along its length to the base proximate the rear side. Each of the side sections includes a vertical member, one or more inclined members, and a plurality of horizontal members, each member within one of two parallel side section planes. The vertical member of each of the side sections is connected to the base proximate to the rear side and one of the lateral sides, the one of the plurality of vertical members of the rear section or the plurality of vertical members of the rear section further integral with one of said other of the members. A lower portion of each of the one or more inclined members is connected to the base proximate one of the lateral sides, and each of the one or more inclined members is such that a respective lower portion of the inclined member is an upper portion of the inclined member. is inclined relative to the vertical member further away from the vertical member. Each of the plurality of horizontal members is connected to at least one of the vertical member and the inclined members. The support section includes a plurality of inclined members and a plurality of horizontal members, each member within the plane of the support section. Each of the beveled members is connected to the base and is angled with respect to the rear section plane such that a lower portion of each of the inclined members is further away from the rear section plane than the upper portion of the inclined member. one of the inclined members is integral with one of the inclined members of one of the side sections, and the other of the inclined members is the other of the inclined members of the other of the side sections. become one with one Each of the plurality of horizontal members spans from one of the lateral sides to the other of the lateral sides such that each of the plurality of horizontal members engages a respective member of the plurality of inclined members. One of the plurality of horizontal members is further connected along its length to the base at a location between the front side and the rear side. The intermediate section includes a plurality of horizontal members, one or more elongate horizontal members, a plurality of vertical members, and a plurality of inclined members. Each of the one or more elongate horizontal members is connected to all of the side sections. At least one of the plurality of horizontal members is connected to the support section and at least one of the one or more elongate horizontal members. Each member of the plurality of horizontal members is within a mid-section horizontal plane. Each of the plurality of vertical members is connected to the support section and to one of the elongate horizontal members. Each of the plurality of inclined members is connected to the base at a position between a position where the one of the plurality of horizontal members of the support section is connected to the base and the rear side of the base. Each member of the plurality of vertical members and each member of the plurality of inclined members are within one of a plurality of mid-section vertical planes, each mid-section vertical plane being parallel to the side section planes. one of the elongate horizontal members, at least one of the plurality of inclined members, at least one of the plurality of vertical members, and at least one of the plurality of horizontal members all include the support section, the rear section; connected to each other at a junction located between the side sections and the base. The support section further comprises one or more short horizontal members, each of the one or more short horizontal members connected to one or more inclined members of the support section, from one of the lateral sides to the other of the lateral sides. spans a distance in the plane of the support section less than the distance of. One elongate horizontal member of the middle section is positioned vertically below the other elongate horizontal member of the middle section. The intermediate section includes short vertical members and one or more support inclined members. The short vertical members connect the one elongate horizontal member of the intermediate section with the other elongate horizontal member of the intermediate section. The one or more support inclined members engage the one elongate horizontal member of the intermediate section and one of the shorter horizontal members of the support section. Each of the side sections further includes a plurality of short vertical members. One short vertical member is connected to the one elongate horizontal member of the base and the intermediate section. Another short vertical member is connected to the one elongate horizontal member of the intermediate section and the vertical member of each side section.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a structure for transporting glass is provided. The structure may include a frame and a support panel. The frame may include a base, a rear portion, first and second side portions, an inclined portion, and a middle portion. The base may include a front side, a rear side and two lateral sides, each lateral side connecting the rear side and the front side. The rear portion may be connected to the base proximate to the rear side of the base. Each side portion may be connected to the base proximate to one of the lateral sides of the base and further connected to the rear portion. The inclined portion may be connected to the base between the front side and the rear side, and further connected to the first and second side portions. The intermediate portion may be in an intermediate portion between the rear portion and the beveled portion, and may be connected to the inclined portion and the first and second side portions. The support panel may be configured to interface with the inclined portion. The frame may further include one or more inclined members positioned and connecting between the intermediate portion and the rear portion, or any one of the inclined portion and the intermediate portion. The support panel may have the maximum difference between the highest point and the lowest point on the surface of the support panel, which is reduced by approximately one-half over a frame without the one or more inclined members.

The following will become apparent from the elements of the drawings provided for purposes of illustration.
1A-1G are perspective views of a frame configured to support sheets of material.
2A-2B are alternative perspective views of the frame of FIGS. 1A-1G ;
3 is a perspective view of a frame configured to support sheets of material;
4A and 4B are flatness graphs of the frame of FIGS. 1A-1G , when loaded and when unloaded.
5 is a profile view of the deflection of the support panel;
6A is a comparison of the contact lengths of the fixing rods of various frames.
6B is a comparison of the contact areas of the fixing rods of various frames.
7 is a modeling of the deflection of various frames.
8 is a perspective view of a frame configured to support sheets of material;
9 is a perspective view of a frame configured to support sheets of material;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the frame of Fig. 9 when viewed from the front;
11 is a perspective view of various fixing members.
12 is a comparison of displacements of various frames.
This application discloses illustrative (ie, exemplary) embodiments. The claimed inventions are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, many implementations of the claims will differ from the exemplary embodiments. Various modifications may be made to the claimed inventions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The claims are intended to cover implementations with such modifications.

To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same.

Structures used to transport glass panes include those that place glass on a sloped support surface supported by a framed structure. The glass is then secured to the support surface using anchoring rods or strings that impart a vertical force to the glass plates. However, some of these structures are prone to bending. This bending can result in varying amounts of contact pressure between the glass plates, allowing relative motion between the glass plates. If a hard particle is placed between the glass plates, the hard particle can cause defects such as scratches during this relative motion due to the normal force imparted to the glass plates by the associated rods or strings.

1A illustrates one such frame 100 used in a structure configured to transport sheets of material, which may be, for example, glass. The frame 100 includes a base 102 , a rear section 104 (or rear portion), side sections (or lateral portions) 106 and 108 , a support section (or beveled portion) 110 , and an intermediate section. It may include multiple sections (or portions) including (or intermediate portion) 112 . Each of these sections has a general frame-like structure. A base 102 is connected to each section. The back section 104 is connected to the base 102 and the side sections 106 and 108 . Each side section 106 and 108 is connected to the base 102 , the back section 104 and the support section 110 . The support section 110 is connected to the base 102 and the respective side sections 106 and 108 . The intermediate section 112 is connected to the base 102 , the side sections 106 and 108 and the support section 110 . Each of the aforementioned sections is described in more detail below.

1B illustrates further details of the base 102 of the frame 100 . The base 102 provides a basis for anchoring the sections connected thereto. The base 102 includes a front side 114 , a rear (or rear) side 116 and two lateral sides 118 and 120 . Although additional details are included in FIG. 1B , the base 102 may be considered a block for anchoring the frame 100 .

As described below, sections of frame 100 (and other frames) include various members and structures configured to support sheets of material. These members and structures of frame 100 and other frames will be described, in part, by the major direction (ie, largest dimension) in which the component extends. Unless otherwise specified, vertical means a direction extending from the top to the bottom of the drawings, and horizontal means any direction perpendicular to the vertical. Angled is used to describe a member that primarily extends in a direction that is not completely vertical or horizontal. As used herein, reference to a member that is in a plane indicates that the greatest dimension of the member extends substantially within that plane.

Referring to FIG. 1C , the back section 104 includes a plurality of vertical members 122a - e and horizontal members 124a - e , each member within a back section plane 126 .

Each vertical member 122a-e is connected to the base 102 proximate the rear side 116 and to a respective horizontal member 124a-e. In some demonstrative embodiments, one or more of the vertical members 122a - e may be indirectly connected to the base 102 via a horizontal member 124e. Two vertical members, members 122a and 122e, are connected to the base 102 proximate the lateral sides 118 and 120 of the base 102, respectively. Another vertical member 122b-d may be equally spaced between members 122a and 122e.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the vertical members 122a - e may have the following dimensions: 122a (length of 50x50x2 mm and 2172 mm); 122b (two members of 40x20x2 mm and a length of 921 mm); 122c (two members of 50x50x2 mm and a length of 921 mm); 122d (two members of 40x20x2 mm and a length of 921 mm); and 122e (lengths of 50x50x2 mm and 2172 mm). These members may be made of steel, for example stainless steel.

Each horizontal member 124a-e is connected to a respective vertical member 122a-e. Horizontal members 124a and 124e form the top and bottom members of back section 104, respectively. Horizontal member 124e may be further connected to base 102 along its length between vertical members 122a and 122e. Horizontal members 124b-d may be equally spaced between members 124a and 124e.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the horizontal members 124a - e may have the following dimensions: 124a (length of 50x50x2 mm and 2548 mm); 124b (40x20x2 mm and 2548 mm long); 124c (50x50x2 mm and 2548 mm long); 124d (40x20x2 mm and 2548 mm long); and 124e (50x50x2 mm and 2548 mm long). These members may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

It should be understood that any of the above members may be constructed of multiple segments or a single segment. The division of the members allows each member to be positioned such that the back section plane 126 bisects each member evenly. For example, the vertical members 122a and 122e may each be a continuous structure running from the base 102 to the top of the back section 104 . The horizontal members 124a, 124c, and 124e may be a continuous structure running between the vertical members 122a and 122e, respectively. Horizontal member 124e may be connected to base 102 such that a lowermost surface of horizontal member 124e contacts base 102 . The horizontal member 124a may be connected to the vertical members 122a and 122e such that the top surface is approximately aligned with the top ends of the vertical members 122a and 122e. These members 122a, 122e, 124a, 124c, and 124e may then be joined together. Next, vertical members 122b , 122c , 122d may be added to the frame 100 . Each of these members may be formed of two segments: an upper segment positioned between horizontal members 124a and 124c and a lower segment positioned between horizontal members 124c and 124e. These segments may each be coupled to a respective horizontal member. Horizontal members 124b and 124d may be added to frame 100 . Each horizontal member may be formed of multiple segments running between pairs of the following vertical members: 124a and 124b; 124b and 124c, 124c and 124d; and 124d and 124e. It should be understood that this particular way of dividing the various members of the back section 104 may not be used in all embodiments, and that other members of the back section 104 may be divided other than those described above.

It should be understood that any other member described herein may be similarly divided such that a section member of one section may be bisected by each plane of which it is a part.

Referring to FIG. 1D , each side section 106 and 108 of frame 100 includes vertical members 128 , horizontal members 130a-e , inclined members 132a-b , and short inclined members. 134a - c and a short vertical member 136 . Each member of these side sections 106 and 108 resides within a side section plane 138 or 140, respectively. The side section plane 138 is parallel to the side section plane 140 .

The vertical member 128 is connected to the base 102 proximate the rear side 116 and the lateral side (118 or 120 for side sections 106 and 108, respectively). In some demonstrative embodiments, vertical member 128 may be the same structural member as vertical member 122a or 122e of back section 104 . In other embodiments, vertical member 128 may be a separate structural member connected to vertical member 122a or 122e.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the vertical member 128 may have the following dimensions: (50x50x2 mm and a length of 2548 mm). This member may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

A series of horizontal members 130a - 130e are connected to the vertical member 128 . The horizontal member 130e is a lowermost horizontal member. The horizontal member 130e connects and extends from the vertical member 128 toward the front side 104 of the base 102 . A horizontal member 130e is further connected along the surface to the base 102 proximate the lateral side (118 or 120, for side sections 106 and 108, respectively), thereby connecting the horizontal member 130e to the vertical member 128. ), and short the vertical member 136 at the end opposite the end that connects to the inclined member 132a.

The uppermost horizontal member is the horizontal member 130a. Like the horizontal member 130e , the horizontal member 130a also connects and extends from the vertical member 128 toward the front side 104 of the base 102 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal member 130a is further connected to the vertical member 128 and the inclined member 132b at an end opposite the end that connects the horizontal member 130a to the inclined member 132a.

A plurality of horizontal members 130b to 130d are disposed between the horizontal members 130a and 130e. Each of these horizontal members is connected to the vertical member 128 and extends in a horizontal direction from the vertical member 128 toward the front side 104 of the base 102 , and is also connected to the inclined member 132a. Since the distance between the inclined member 132a and the vertical member 128 decreases from the position where the inclined member 132a is connected to the base 102 to the top of the inclined member 132a, the members 130b to 130d) increases in length from the horizontal members 130b to 130d.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the horizontal members 130a - e may have the following dimensions: 130a (length of 50x50x2 mm and 464 mm); 130b (50x50x2 mm and length 220 mm); 130c (50x50x2 mm and length 383 mm); 130d (50x50x2 mm and 545 mm long); and 130e (50x50x2 mm and 991 mm long). These members may be made of steel, for example stainless steel.

Inclined members 132 are connected to the base 102 proximate to the lateral side (118 or 120 for side sections 106 and 108, respectively). The sloped member 132a is oriented such that the end of the sloped member 132a connected to the base 102 is a greater distance from the vertical member 128 than the other higher end of the sloped member 132a. The inclined member 132a is further connected to each horizontal member 130a-e and to each short inclined member 134a-c. Additionally, the inclined member 132a may be a structural member or connected to a structural member that forms part of the support section 110 described below.

The inclined member 132b is positioned parallel to the inclined member 132a and at a greater distance from the vertical member 128 than the inclined member 132a. The inclined member is connected to the horizontal member 130a, each of the short inclined member 134x and the short vertical member 136 . Beveled member 132b together with short beveled member 134x extends beyond support section plane 110 (see FIG. 1E ) to create a recess or pocket into which sheets of material may be placed.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the beveled members 132a - b may have the following dimensions: 132a (length of 50x50x2 mm and 1890 mm); and 132b (50x50x2 mm and length 1869 mm). These members may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

As described above, the short inclined members 134a-c are respectively connected to both the inclined members 132a and 132b. Each short sloping member 134a - c is inclined at a position substantially the same as the position where the horizontal members 130b - d are connected to the slanted member 132a or at the same distance from the base 102 . It may be connected to the member 132a.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the short beveled members 134a - c may have the following dimensions: 134a (length of 20x40 mm and 292 mm); 134b (20x40 mm and 292.2 mm long); and 134c (20x40 mm and 292.2 mm long). These members may be made of steel, for example stainless steel.

The side sections 106 and 108 may further include a short vertical member 136 . A short vertical member 136 is connected to the base 102 proximate to the lateral side (118 or 120 for side sections 106 and 108, respectively), a horizontal member 130e, and an inclined member 132b. In some demonstrative embodiments, the horizontal member 130e is positioned between the short vertical member 136 and the base 102 such that the short vertical member 136 is connected to the base 102 indirectly via the horizontal member 130e. can be extended In some demonstrative embodiments, the short vertical member 136 is connected to the end of the horizontal member 130e.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the short vertical member 136 may have the following dimensions: (50x50x2 mm and a length of 226 mm). This member may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

Referring to FIG. 1E , the support section 110 of the frame 100 is shown. The support section 110 has a plurality of inclined members 142a-f and horizontal members 144a-e. Each of the members 142a - f and 144a - e is within the support section plane 146 . The support section 110 may also have an inclined platform 148 .

Each of the inclined members 142a - f is connected to each of the base 102 and horizontal members 144a - e proximate a position between the front side 144 and the rear side 116 of the base 102 . . In some demonstrative embodiments, one or more of the inclined members 142a - f may be indirectly connected to the base 102 via a horizontal member 144e . Two of the inclined members, members 142a and 124f, are connected to the base 102 proximate to each of the lateral sides 118 and 120 of the base 102 . The sloped member 142a may be connected to the sloped member 132a of the side section 106 or may be the same support member as the sloped member 132a of the side section 106 . The sloped member 142f may be connected to the sloped member 132a of the side section 108 or may be the same support member as the sloped member 132a of the side section 108 . Other inclined members 142b-e may be equally spaced between members 142a and 142f.

The slanted members 142a-f measure the distance between the rear section 104 and the location where any members 142a-f are connected to the base 102 such that each member is connected to the horizontal member 144a. In position, it may be oriented to be greater than the distance from the back section 104 to each inclined member 142a-f.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the beveled members 142a - f may have the following dimensions: 142a (length of 50x50x2 mm and 1890 mm); 142b (50x50x2 mm and length 1880 mm); 142c (50x50x2 mm and length 1880 mm); 142d (50x50x2 mm and length 1880 mm); 142e (50x50x2 mm and length 1880 mm); and 142f (50x50x2 mm and length 1890 mm). Such a member may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

Each of the horizontal members 144a-e is connected to each of the inclined members 142a-f. Horizontal members 144a and 144e form the top and bottom members of support section 110 , respectively. A horizontal member 144e may further be connected to the base 102 along its length between the inclined members 142a and 142f. Horizontal members 144b-d may be equally spaced between members 144a and 144e. Horizontal members 144a - e may span the width of base 102 between lateral sides 118 and 120 respectively.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the horizontal member 144a may have an extension that connects the horizontal member 144a to the back section 104 .

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the horizontal members 144a - e may have the following dimensions: 144a (length of 50x50x2 mm and 2548 mm); 144b (20x40x2 mm and 2548 mm long); 144c (50x50x2 mm and length 2548 mm); 144d (20x40x2 mm and length 2548 mm); and 144e (50x50x2 mm and length 2548 mm). Such a member may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

The inclined section platform 148 may provide a portion of support for the sheets of material supported by the frame 100 . The inclined section platform 148 may be integral with and coupled to the base 102 between the position where the horizontal member 144e connects to the base 102 and the front side 114 of the base. The inclined section platform 148 may further span between the lateral sides 118 and 120 .

Support section 110 and side sections 106 and 108 may define a recess or pocket into which sheets of material are disposed for support. The recess may be a volume defined by the horizontal members 144a-e, the inclined members 142a-f, and the inclined platform 148 of the support section 110 , and the side sections 106 and 108 may be further defined by inclined members 132a-b and short inclined members 134a-c.

The horizontal members 144a-e and the inclined members 142a-f together form a support frame to which the support panel 168 (see FIG. 2A ) is connected.

1F and 1G , the middle section 112 of the frame 100 is illustrated. The middle section 112 includes a plurality of horizontal members 150a - f and elongated horizontal members 152a - b , each horizontal member being within the middle section horizontal plane 154 . The intermediate section 112 further includes a plurality of vertical members 156a-d and a plurality of inclined members 158a-d. One of the vertical members 156a-d, the inclined members 158a-d and each horizontal member 150b-e may each be within one of the mid-section vertical planes 160a-d. Each mid-section vertical plane 160a-d is parallel to the other mid-section vertical planes 160a-d.

Each of the intermediate horizontal members 150a-f is connected to the elongate horizontal members 152a and 152b. As can be seen in FIG. 1F , horizontal members 152a and 150f may be the same structural member as horizontal member 130d of side sections 106 and 108 , respectively. Horizontal members 150b-e may be further connected to vertical members 156a-d and inclined members 158a-d. The horizontal members 150b-e may be equally spaced from each other between the side sections 106 and 108, respectively.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the horizontal members 150a - f may have the following dimensions: 150a (length of 50x50x2 mm and 545 mm); 150b (40x40x2 mm and length 301 mm); 150c (40x40x2 mm and length 301 mm); 150d (40x40x2 mm and length 301 mm); 150e (40x40x2 mm and length 301 mm); and 150f (50x50x2 mm and length 545.7 mm). Such a member may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

The elongate horizontal members 152a - b may extend from one lateral side 118 of the base 102 to the other lateral side 120 . The elongate horizontal member 152b may be connected to the horizontal member 144d of the support section 110 or may be the same structural member as the horizontal member 144d of the support section 110 . The elongate horizontal member 152b may further be connected to each horizontal member 150a-f and the inclined members 142a-142f of the support section. The elongate member 152a may be connected to each of the horizontal members 150a-f, the vertical members 156a-d and the respective inclined member 158a-d.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal members 152a - b may have the following dimensions: 152a (length of 40x40x2 mm and 2560 mm); and 152b (50x50x2 mm and length 2560 mm). Such a member may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

The vertical members 156a - d may be connected to the support section 110 and the elongate horizontal member 152a, respectively. Each vertical member 156a - d may be connected to an inclined member of the support section 110 . For example, the vertical member 156a may be connected to the inclined member 142b and the vertical member 156b may be connected to the inclined member 142c. Each vertical member 156a-d may further be connected to one of the inclined members 158a-d. The vertical members 156a - d may be equally spaced from each other between the side sections 106 and 108 , respectively.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, vertical members 156a - d may have the following dimensions: 156a (length of 40x40x2 mm and 1011 mm); 156b (40x40x2 mm and length 1011 mm); 156c (40x40x2 mm and length 1011 mm); and 156d (40x40x2 mm and 1011 mm long). Such a member may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

Each of the inclined members 158a - d may be connected to the elongate member 152a and the base 102 . The beveled members 158a - d may be connected to the base 102 at a position between the position where the back section 104 is connected to the base 102 and the position where the support section 110 is connected to the base 102 . have. Each of the inclined members 158a-d may further be connected to one of the vertical members 156a-d. The beveled members 158a - d may be equally spaced from each other between the side sections 106 and 108 , respectively.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the beveled members 158a - d may have the following dimensions: 158a (length of 40x40x2 mm and 551 mm); 158b (40x40x2 mm and length 551 mm); 158c (40x40x2 mm and length 551 mm); and 158d (40x40x2 mm and 551 mm long). Such a member may be made of steel such as stainless steel, for example.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, one of the inclined members 158a-d, one of the vertical members 156a-d and the elongate member 152a are each one of the plurality of abutments 162a-d. can be combined in

2A-2B, a frame 100 for supporting sheets of material is illustrated. In these figures, various sections of frame 100 are surrounded by a plurality of covers 164 . Covers 164 limit the amount of contaminants and other debris that can enter the structure and cause defects in any sheets of material loaded into frame 100 .

Also shown in FIGS. 2A-2B is a support panel 168 . The support panel 168 is configured to interface with the support section 110 (in particular, the inclined members 142a-f and the horizontal members 144a-e) and sheets of material. The surface of the support panel 168 that engages the sheets of material may be referred to as a support surface. The support panel 168 serves as a medium for transferring the load of the material sheets to the frame 100 . Additionally, the support panel 168 may provide a continuous, smooth surface upon which the sheets of material may rest, thereby providing support while reducing any stress concentrations in the sheets of material. Support panel 168 may be made of any material suitable for supporting sheets of material, for example metals. An exemplary material may include aluminum.

Referring to FIG. 2A , a side support 170 is shown. The lateral support restraints 170 are configured to interface with sheets of material (not shown) to prevent and/or reduce their lateral movement. The side supports 170 may be disposed approximately halfway between the bottom portion and the top portion of the support section 110 . The side support 170 may be connected to the side section 106 and/or the support section 110 . A side support (not shown) may be disposed opposite the side support 170 on the other side of the frame near the side section 108 .

Turning to FIG. 2B , the frame 100 is shown after the sheets of material 172 have been loaded. The sheets of material may be, for example, multi-layered glass. Sheets of material 172 may be placed against a support panel 168 supported by support section 110 of frame 100 . The sheets 172 may also rest on the inclined platform 148 .

Fixing rods (or members) 174 are connected to side sections 106 and 108 . The anchor bars 174 interface (or engage) the surface of the sheets 172 opposite the surface engaging the support panel 168 . The anchoring rods 174 exert a vertical force on the sheets of material transferred to the support panel 168 . This vertical force helps to hold or secure the sheets of material 172 in the recess volume created by the side sections 106 , 108 and the support section 110 . The anchoring rods may include an upper rod positioned about two-thirds the distance between the bottom and the top of the support section 110 and a lower rod positioned about one-third the distance between the bottom and the top of the support section 110 .

A frame 200 for supporting sheets of material is illustrated in FIG. 3 , according to some demonstrative embodiments. Frame 200 may include a series of structural members. For example, frame 200 may have, in addition to other support members, all structural members having various features and characteristics as described above in frame 100 of FIGS. 1A-1G . . These additional members include horizontal members 202a-b, short horizontal members 204a-b, support inclined members 206a-c, elongate horizontal members 208a, and short vertical members 210a-e. ), a short horizontal member, a short horizontal member 212 and a short vertical member 214 . These additional support members strengthen the members of the frame 100 to increase the rigidity and flatness of the frame 200 across the frame 100 and prevent defects caused by relative movement between the sheets of material loaded therein. Reduce.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the horizontal members 202a and 202b are generally additional horizontal members added proximate the upper portions of the support section 110 . The horizontal member 202a is connected to the horizontal member 144a of the support section along the length of the horizontal member 144a between the lateral sides 118a and 120 . This connection may be direct or more through each of the inclined members 142a-f to which the horizontal member 202a is also connected. The member 202b is connected to the support section 110 at a location between the horizontal member 144a and the horizontal member 144b. In some demonstrative embodiments, horizontal member 202b is connected to support section 110 at a location between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between horizontal member 144a and horizontal member 144b. In some demonstrative embodiments, horizontal member 202b is connected to support section 110 at a location between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between horizontal member 144a and horizontal member 144b. In some demonstrative embodiments, the horizontal member 202b is connected to the support section 110 at a location approximately midway between the horizontal member 144a and the horizontal member 144b. In some demonstrative embodiments, horizontal member 202b is connected to support section 110 at an intermediate position between horizontal member 144a and horizontal member 144b.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the horizontal members 202a and 202b may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. Each member 202a and 202b spans substantially the width of the base between lateral sides 118 and 120 . Each member may be a tube having dimensions of 50x50x3 mm and a length of 2630 mm.

Support section 110 may further include short horizontal members 204a and 204b. Members 204a and 204b may each be connected to one or more inclined members 142x of support section 110 . For example, members 204a and 204b may be connected to inclined members 142b-e, respectively. Horizontal members 204a and 204b are characterized as short because they do not span the entire length of base 102 between both lateral sides 118 and 120 .

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the short horizontal member 204a is connected to the support section 110 at a location between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between the horizontal member 144b and the horizontal member 144c. In some demonstrative embodiments, the horizontal member 204a is connected to the support section 110 at a location between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between the horizontal member 144b and the horizontal member 144c. In some demonstrative embodiments, horizontal member 204a connects to support section 110 at approximately one-third the distance between horizontal member 144b and horizontal member 144c measured from horizontal member 144c. do. In some demonstrative embodiments, horizontal member 204a is connected to support section 110 at one-third the distance between horizontal member 144b and horizontal member 144c measured from horizontal member 144c. .

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the short horizontal member 204b is connected to the support section 110 at a location between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between the horizontal member 144c and the horizontal member 144d. In some demonstrative embodiments, horizontal member 204b is connected to support section 110 at a location between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between horizontal member 144c and horizontal member 144d. In some demonstrative embodiments, horizontal member 204b is connected to support section 110 at approximately half the distance between horizontal member 144c and horizontal member 144d. In some demonstrative embodiments, horizontal member 204b is connected to support section 110 at half the distance between horizontal member 144c and horizontal member 144d.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the short horizontal members 204a and 204b may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. The short horizontal member 204a may be a tube with dimensions of 80x40x3 mm and a length of 1598 mm. The short horizontal member 204b may be a tube with dimensions of 50x50x3 mm and a length of 1598 mm.

The middle section of frame 200 may include support inclined members 206a - 206c in addition to the members described with respect to frame 100 . The support inclined members 206a - 206c may each be connected to the support section 110 . In particular, the support inclined members 206a - 206c can be connected to the short horizontal member 204b of the support section and the elongate horizontal member 208a, described below, of the intermediate section 112 .

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the beveled members 206a - 206c and any other member of the back section 104 , the support section 110 , or the intermediate section 112 (the other inclined member 206x is Except for), the measurement of any angle between them is oblique. According to some exemplary embodiments, this measurement is taken between the direction of longitudinal extension of the members and/or the direction perpendicular to the plane in which the respective section is located.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support inclined member 206a is attached to the support section 110 at a position between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between the inclined member 142b and the inclined member 142c. Connected. According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support sloped member 206a is attached to the support section 110 at a position between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between the sloped member 142b and the sloped member 142c. Connected. According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support sloped member 206a supports at approximately 1/3 the distance between the sloped member 142b and the sloped member 142c as measured from the sloped member 142b. connected to section 110 . According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support inclined member 206a is a support section at a position 1/3 of the distance between the inclined member 142b and the inclined member 142c as measured from the inclined member 142b. connected to 110 .

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support inclined member 206b is attached to the support section 110 at a position between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between the inclined member 142c and the inclined member 142d. Connected. According to some exemplary embodiments, the support inclined member 206b is attached to the support section 110 at a position between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between the inclined member 142c and the inclined member 142d. Connected. According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support inclined member 206b is supported at approximately one-third the distance between the inclined member 142c and the inclined member 142d as measured from the inclined member 142d. connected to section 110 . According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support inclined member 206b is a support section at a position 1/3 of the distance between the inclined member 142c and the inclined member 142d as measured from the inclined member 142d. connected to 110 .

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support sloped member 206c is attached to the support section 110 at a position between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between the sloped member 142d and the sloped member 142e. Connected. According to some exemplary embodiments, the support inclined member 206c is attached to the support section 110 at a position between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between the inclined member 142d and the inclined member 142e. Connected. According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support inclined member 206c is supported at approximately one-third the distance between the inclined member 142d and the inclined member 142e as measured from the inclined member 142e. connected to section 110 . According to some demonstrative embodiments, the support inclined member 206c is a support section at a position 1/3 of the distance between the inclined member 142d and the inclined member 142e as measured from the inclined member 142e. connected to 110 .

According to some exemplary embodiments, the support inclined members 206a - 206c and 204b may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube having dimensions of 38x38x3 mm and a length of 533 mm.

The middle section 112 of the frame 200 may further have an elongate horizontal member 208a. An elongated horizontal member 208a runs across the width of the base 102 between the lateral sides 118 and 120 . The elongate horizontal member 208a may be connected to the side sections 106 and 108 at a location between the support section 110 and the back section 104 . The elongate horizontal member 208a includes support inclined members 206a-206c, short vertical members 210a-e (described below), a short horizontal member 212 (described below) and a short vertical member 212 (described below). member 214 (described below). The elongate member 208a may be positioned vertically below the elongate horizontal member 152a (see FIG. 1F ). The elongate member 208a and the elongate horizontal member 152a are each in a vertical plane (unlabeled).

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a is positioned between the side sections 106 and 108 at a position between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between the support section 110 and the back section 104 . is connected to According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a is positioned between the side sections 106 and 108 at a location between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between the support section 110 and the back section 104 . is connected to According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a is positioned at approximately one-third the distance between the support section 110 and the back section 104 as measured from the back section. 108) is connected. According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a is positioned at one-third the distance between the support section 110 and the back section 104 as measured from the back section of the side sections 106 and 108 . ) is connected to

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a is positioned between the lateral sections 106 and 108 at a location between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between the horizontal member 130e and the horizontal member 130d. is connected to According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a is positioned between the side sections 106 and 108 at a location between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between the horizontal member 130e and the horizontal member 130d. is connected to According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a connects to the side sections 106 and 108 at approximately one-half the distance between the horizontal member 130e and the horizontal member 130d. According to some demonstrative embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a is connected to the side sections 106 and 108 at half the distance between the horizontal member 130e and the horizontal member 130d.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube having dimensions of 80x40x3 mm and a length of 2640 mm.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the intermediate section 112 may further comprise an elongate horizontal member 208b formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube with dimensions 38x38x3 mm and length 2560 mm. The elongate horizontal member 208b may be connected along the length of the elongate horizontal member 208a to the elongate horizontal member 208a along its length. The elongate horizontal member 208b may further be connected to the shorter horizontal member 212 of each side section 106 and 108 . The elongate horizontal member 208b spans only between the short horizontal members 212 of each side section 106 and 108 but not between the lateral sides 118 and 120 of the base 102. 208a).

The intermediate section 112 may further include short vertical members 210a - e. Each of the short vertical members 210a - e is connected to both an elongate horizontal member 208a and an elongate horizontal member 152a (see FIG. 1F ).

According to some demonstrative embodiments, each of the short vertical members 210a - e is between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between two respective inclined members 142x of the support section 110 . connected to the elongate horizontal member 208a and the elongate horizontal member 152a in position. For example, the short vertical member 210a is positioned between the inclined members 142a and 142b, and the vertical member 210b is positioned between the inclined members 142b and 142c, etc.). According to some exemplary embodiments, each short vertical member 210a - e is positioned between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between two respective inclined members 142x of support section 110 . connected to the elongate horizontal member 208a and the elongate horizontal member 152a. According to some demonstrative embodiments, each of the short vertical members 210a - e is an elongate horizontal member at approximately one-half the distance between two respective inclined members 142x of the support section 110 . 208a and the elongate horizontal member 152a. According to some demonstrative embodiments, each of the short vertical members 210a - e is an elongate horizontal member 208a at a position 1/2 the distance between two respective inclined members 142x of the support section 110 . ) and the elongate horizontal member 152a.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the elongate horizontal member 208a may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube having dimensions of 38x38x3 mm and a length between 203 and 208 mm.

The side sections 106 and 108 of the frame 200 also include additional members for supporting the addition of the elongate horizontal members 208a and 208b to the middle section 112 . These additional members include a short horizontal member 212 and a short vertical member 214 . The short horizontal member 212 may be connected to the elongate horizontal members 208a and 208b and to one of the vertical members 122a or 122e of the back section 104 . A short vertical member 214 is connected to the base 102 proximate to one of the elongate horizontal members 208a and 208b and lateral sides 118 or 120 and/or to a horizontal member 130e.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the short horizontal member 212 may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, particularly SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube with dimensions of 80x40x3 mm and a length of 205 mm.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the short vertical member 214 may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, particularly SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube having dimensions of 80x40x3 mm and a length of 180 mm.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, frame 200 may have a support panel (similar to support panel 168 shown in FIG. 2A ) connected to support section 110 . This support panel may comprise aluminum. The support panel may have a thickness of approximately 5-15 mm as measured relative to the perpendicular to the support section plane 146 . In some demonstrative embodiments, the support panel may have a thickness of approximately 10 mm. In some exemplary embodiments, the support panel may have a thickness of 10 mm or greater.

4A and 4B, these figures illustrate a comparison between the flatness of frames 100 and 200 in both the unloaded (FIG. 4A) and loaded (FIG. 4B) configurations. In both FIGS. 4A and 4B , the flatness of frames 100 and frame 200 measured at a support panel (eg, support panel 168 ) from base 102 to support section 110 (i.e., a horizontal member ( 144a))) at three locations: 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 of the distance.

This position can be better understood with reference to FIG. 5 . 5 is a profile view of support panel 168 and biased support panel 168a. As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the support panel 168 has an ideally rectangular cross-section when viewed in profile. In practice, the support panel 168a deflects under its own weight and/or the weight of any sheets of support material.

This deflection is shown in FIG. 5 . As can be seen, flatness is measured as the height or difference between the highest and lowest points of the actual surface profile of panel 168a. As illustrated, the lowest point of the bias in FIG. 5 is essentially zero and is consistent with the ideal profile of panel 168 , which is not necessarily consistent with the actual results measured in FIGS. 4A and 4B . These heights are measured at three locations -H1 , H2 and H3- along the length of the support panel 168a (ie, from a lateral side proximate to one lateral side 118 to another lateral side 118 ).

5 is a generalized view, and it should be appreciated that the specific deflection of panel 168a depends on the weight of panel 168a and any supported sheets as well as the location of the bearing capacity of frames 100 and 200 .

Referring back to FIG. 4A , it can be seen that the frame 200 has an overall lower maximum deflection compared to the frame 100 . Frame 200 has a maximum deflection of 2 mm closer to one end, while frame 100 has a maximum deflection of 4.5 mm when measured close to the center of the frame's width (between the lateral sides). Moreover, frame 200 has a more consistent, and consistently lower flatness over its length as compared to frame 100 . This bias should be noted.

4B shows similar improvements when frames 100 and 200 are loaded with sheets of material, in this case 250 sheets of glass. These glass sheets weigh approximately 107 2Kg. Again, frame 200 experiences a low deflection of just over 2 mm overall near one end, while frame 100 is deflected by 3 mm. Like the unloaded versions, frame 200 has a more consistent, and consistently lower, flatness throughout the frame.

Due to the benefit of this increased flatness, the frame 200 additionally experiences increased length and contact area between the anchoring rods 174 and the anchored glass sheets 172 . 6A is a comparison of the contact lengths of the fixing rods 174 of the frame 100 and the frame 200 . As can be seen, the contact length of the upper bar increased from about 400 mm for frame 100 to about 850 mm for frame 200 . For the lower bar, the contact length increased from about 500 mm for frame 100 to about 1300 mm for frame 200.

Referring to the contact area as shown in FIG. 6B , similar improvements were noted again when comparing frame 200 and frame 100 . Here, the contact area of the upper bar ^{increased from about 3500 mm 2} for the frame ^{100 to nearly 5000 mm 2} for the frame 200 . For the lower bar, the contact area increased from about 3000 mm ² for the frame ^{100 to about 5500 mm 2} for the frame 200 .

A modeling of the global deflection of frames 100 and 200 is shown in FIG. 7 from both the front and rear views. As can be seen, FIG. 7 shows the deflection of frames 100 and 200 . For frame 200, the area with the maximum deflection is the area marked 700 with deflection between 1.1 and 1.5 mm. The region with the second most deflection is the area marked 702 with deflection between 0.8 and 1.1 mm. In contrast, frame 100 has a maximum deflection area marked 704 with a deflection of 1.5 to 1.9 mm. Region 706 has the same bias range as region 700, and region 708 has the same bias range as for region 702.

A further advantage of frame 200 is that it has been observed that the glass sheets slide perpendicular to each other or have less vertical displacement than if they were loaded into frame 100 . Vertical measurements are taken near both edges (closest side sections 106 and 108 ) at the top of the group of glass sheets 172 (the edge furthest from the base 102 ). The first measurement was taken near the interface between the glass sheet 172 and the support panel 168 (the “inside” point). Other measurements were made near the exposed surface of the glass sheet facing away from the frame and on the opposite side of the frame (“outside”). Final measurements were made between medial and lateral points (“middle”). These measurement results are summarized in Table 1 below, and the results are in mm.

side 106 side 108 frame inside middle outside inside middle outside 100 0.20 0.16 0.16 0.23 0.23 0.26 200 0.1 0.11 0.13 0.16 0.17 0.19 decrease 50% 31% 19% 30% 26% 27%

A frame 300 configured to support sheets of material is illustrated in FIG. 8 , in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Frame 300 includes horizontal members 202a-b, short horizontal members 204a-b, inclined members 206a-c, elongate horizontal members 208a-b, and short horizontal members 212 . ) and a short vertical member 214 may be substantially identical to frame 200 including all components of frame 100 . Each of these components may have the characteristics and features described above.

The difference between frame 300 and frame 200 is the number and location of short vertical members. In particular, frame 300 may have short vertical members 210b, 210c, and 210e, but may not include short vertical members 210a, 210e, each of which may be as described above. Frame 200 may further include additional short vertical members 302a-d. As can be seen in FIG. 8 , each of the short vertical members 302a - d may each be connected to one of the vertical members 156a - d, or the vertical members 156a - d may be elongated horizontally. It may be connected to the elongate horizontal member 152a at a junction that is connected to the member 152a. Short vertical members 302a-d are further connected to elongate members 208a and/or 208b.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the vertical members 302a - d may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube having dimensions of 38x38x3 mm and a length of about 203-208 mm.

A frame 400 configured to support sheets of material is illustrated in FIG. 9 , in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Frame 400 may include the same components having the same features and characteristics as those described above for frame 100 . Additionally, frame 400 may include horizontal members 402a-d, vertical members 404a-b, short horizontal members 406a-h, and inclined members 408a-d.

The horizontal members 402a - d may each be additional members added to the support section 110 , thereby increasing its rigidity and support capacity. Each member 402a - d may span substantially the entire width of the base 102 from lateral sides 118 to 120 between the vertical members 404a - b. Each member 402a-d may be connected to each of vertical members 404a-b and inclined members 142b-e between 142a and 142f (in some embodiments, members 402a-d). may also be connected to inclined members 142a and 142f).

According to some demonstrative embodiments, each of the horizontal members 402a - d is positioned between 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance between two respective horizontal members 144x of the support section 110 . connected to the inclined members 142x. For example, the horizontal members 402a are positioned between the horizontal members 144a and 144b, the horizontal member 402b is positioned between the horizontal members 144b and 144c, and so on. According to some demonstrative embodiments, each of the horizontal members 402a - d is positioned between 1/3 and 2/3 of the distance between two respective horizontal members 144x of the support section 110 . It is connected to the inclined member 142x. According to some demonstrative embodiments, each of the horizontal members 402a - d is inclined at a position that is approximately 1/2 the distance between two respective horizontal members 144x of the support section 110 . connected to (142x). According to some demonstrative embodiments, each of the horizontal members 402a - d is inclined members 142x at a position that is 1/2 the distance between two respective horizontal members 144x of the support section 110 . ) is connected to

According to some exemplary embodiments, the horizontal members 402a , 402c and 402d may be formed of aluminum, for example, A6N0155-T5 aluminum. Each member may be projections that are generally 80x40 mm in dimensions and 2640 mm in length.

According to some example embodiments, the horizontal member 402b may be formed of aluminum, for example, A6N0155-T5 aluminum. Each member may be protrusions generally having dimensions of 40x80 mm and a length of 2560 mm.

The support section 110 may further include additional vertical members 404a - b. Each vertical member 404a-b may be connected to the base 102 , a respective horizontal member 144a-e and horizontal members 402a-d.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, each vertical member 404a - b may be formed of aluminum, for example A6N0155-T5 aluminum. Each vertical member 404a-b may be formed of a pair of aluminum protrusions, the first of which is typically 40x80 mm in dimensions and 1963 mm in length. The second of this pair is typically 80x80 mm in dimensions and 1985 mm in length, and the tube may be 80x40x3 mm in dimensions and 2318 mm in length. The second of the pair may be located closer to each lateral side 118 or 120 of the base 102 than the first protrusion of the pair.

Like the support section 110 , the intermediate section 112 may also include additional members when compared to the frame 100 . For example, the intermediate section 112 may include short horizontal members 406a-h. According to some exemplary embodiments, the horizontal members 406a - h may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube having dimensions of 38x38x2 mm and a length of approximately 204 mm.

Each short horizontal member 406a-h is connected to the back section in a plane that intersects one of the vertical members 156a-d. For example, the short horizontal member 406a is connected to the vertical member 156a and the horizontal member 124c of the rear section. Vertical members 406b-d are also connected to horizontal member 124c of rear section 104 , but each is respectively connected to vertical member 156b-d.

Similarly, each vertical member 406e-h is connected to one of the vertical members 156a-d and to a horizontal member 124d of the back section 104, respectively. In some demonstrative embodiments, each vertical member 406e-h is connected to an elongate horizontal member 152a at the junction to which each vertical member 156a-d is connected.

The intermediate section may also include a plurality of inclined members 408a - d. According to some exemplary embodiments, the horizontal members 406a - h may be formed of steel, for example stainless steel, in particular SUS304 stainless steel. Each member may be a tube having dimensions of 38x38x2 mm and a length of about 498 mm.

Each of the inclined members 408a - d is connected to the back section 104 and the elongate horizontal member 152a. In some demonstrative embodiments, each angled member 408a - d is connected to the base 102 proximate the horizontal member 124e of the back section 104 . In some demonstrative embodiments, each angled member 408a - d is connected to a horizontal member 124e of the back section 104 . The inclined members 408a-d are attached to the elongate horizontal member 152a at the junction where the horizontal members 150b-e, the vertical members 156a-d and the inclined member 158a-d are also connected. can be connected

In some demonstrative embodiments, any angle measured between the beveled members 408a - d and any component to which it is connected is oblique. According to some demonstrative embodiments, this angle is measured between the longitudinal direction in which the inclined member 408a-d extends and the longitudinal direction in which the other member extends or perpendicular to the plane in which the member and/or section lie. .

A front view of the frame 400 is illustrated in FIG. 10 . As can be seen, the frame 400 utilizes four anchoring rods 408 than the anchoring rods 174 used in the frame 100 . The addition of more anchoring rods may allow for a more uniform distribution of the force used to hold the sheets of material across the surface of the material. Additionally, frame 400 uses three pairs of side support members 410 compared to a pair of side supports 170 used for frame 100 .

Frame 400 also utilizes an aluminum honeycomb structure 412 overlying sheets of material 172 . The honeycomb 412 further aids in uniform distribution of force from the anchor rods 408 to the sheets of material.

Although a honeycomb structure and a greater number of anchoring rods and side supports are shown for frame 400 , it should be understood that these additions may also be used for frames 200 and 300 .

Referring to FIG. 11 , different versions of fixation members 500a - c are shown. Fixing members 500a - b may each be used in place of any of fixation rods 408 and 174, respectively, as described above. The fixing member 500c is the simplest of the three versions presented and consists of a hollow round tube 502 for most of its length. Capping the ends of the fixation member 500c may be interfaces 504 for connecting the fixation member 500c to the side sections 106 and 108 .

The fixing member 500b includes a projection 506 that may be made of aluminum. The protrusion 506 may have a spring-like resilience to dampen the build-up of a vertical force placed on the glass during any movement. The fixation member 500b may include interfaces 504 as described above.

Finally, the fixing member 500a includes a rod 508 that supports the springs 510 . Springs 510 are used to apply a force to the sheets of material through interfaces 512 . The fixation member 500a may include interfaces 504 as described above.

According to some demonstrative embodiments, the anchoring rods/members 174 , 408 and 500 may be rectangular tubes.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a comparison of the deflection of frames 100 , 200 and 400 over the length of each frame (lateral sections 106 to 108 ) is illustrated. This figure is related to FIG. 7 and adds biased modeling for frame 400 . In particular, the plotted lines each show the measured deflection at approximately 2/3 of the total height of each frame. Line 600 represents the deflection of the frame 100 , the line 602 represents the deflection of the frame 200 , and the line 604 represents the deflection of the frame 400 .

Although examples have been illustrated and described herein, the embodiments are nevertheless not limited to the details shown, as various modifications and structural changes may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope and scope of equivalents of the claims.

Claims (20)

An apparatus for supporting one or more glass sheets, comprising:
frame; and
a support panel; and
The frame is:
a base comprising a front side, a rear side and two lateral sides, each lateral side connecting the rear side and the front side;
a rear portion connected to the base proximate to the rear side of the base;
first and second side portions, each side portion being connected to the base proximate to one of the lateral sides of the base and further connected to the rear portion;
an inclined portion, the inclined portion being connected to the base between the front side and the rear side, the inclined portion being further connected to the first and second side portions; and
an intermediate portion between the rear portion and the beveled portion, wherein the intermediate portion is connected to the inclined portion and the first and second side portions;
the support panel is configured to interface with the inclined portion;
wherein the frame further comprises one or more inclined members positioned between and connecting either the middle portion and the rear portion, or the inclined portion and the intermediate portion. The method according to claim 1,
and an angle between each of said one or more inclined members and a longitudinal extension of any of said rear portion, inclined portion and said intermediate portion is oblique. The method according to claim 1,
The beveled part is:
first and second beveled end members;
upper and lower members, each of the upper and lower members being connected to the first and second inclined end members;
first, second, third, and fourth intermediate inclined members equally spaced between the first and second inclined end members, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth intermediate bevels each of the photographic members is connected to the upper and lower members, the first, second, third, and fourth intermediate inclined members;
first, second, and third intermediate members equally spaced between the upper and lower members, each of the first, second, and third intermediate members being the first and second inclined end members connected to the first, second, and third intermediate members;
and said first and second intermediate members, said second and third intermediate members, or one or more additional intermediate members positioned between said third intermediate member and said upper member. 4. The method according to claim 3,
Any further intermediate members positioned between the first and second intermediate members, or between the second and third intermediate members, are merely the first, second, third, and fourth intermediate inclined members. A device, characterized in that it spans between the members. The method according to claim 1,
The rear part is:
a first vertical end member and a second vertical end member, each of the first and second vertical end members being connected to the base proximate to the rear side and one of the lateral sides; and a second vertical end member;
a plurality of vertical members, each vertical member being equally spaced from one another between the first and second vertical end members;
an upper horizontal member and a lower horizontal member, each of the upper and lower horizontal members being connected to the first vertical end member, the second vertical end member, and each of the plurality of vertical members, the lower horizontal member comprising: the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member further connected to the base proximate to the rear side;
a plurality of horizontal members, each horizontal member being equally spaced from each other between the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member;
The middle part is:
one or more vertical support members; and
a plurality of horizontal support members, each of the horizontal support members being connected to both one of the vertical support members of the middle portion and one of the plurality of horizontal members of the rear portion members; including
wherein at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members is connected to the intermediate portion at a contact to which a vertical support member and one of the one or more inclined members are connected. The method according to claim 1,
The rear part is:
a first vertical end member and a second vertical end member, each of the first and second vertical end members being connected to the base proximate to the rear side and one of the lateral sides; and a second vertical end member;
a plurality of vertical members, each vertical member being equally spaced from one another between the first and second vertical end members;
an upper horizontal member and a lower horizontal member, each of the upper and lower horizontal members being connected to the first vertical end member, the second vertical end member, and each of the plurality of vertical members, the lower horizontal member comprising: the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member further connected to the base proximate to the rear side;
a plurality of horizontal members, each horizontal member being equally spaced from each other between the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member;
The middle part is:
one or more vertical support members; and
an upper horizontal support member and a lower horizontal support member, each of the upper horizontal support member and the lower horizontal support member being positioned in a single vertical plane and connected to the first and second side portions member and lower horizontal support member; and
one or more intermediate support members, each of the one or more intermediate support members connected to both the upper horizontal support member and the lower horizontal support member;
wherein the one or more inclined members are connected to the lower horizontal support member. 7. The method of claim 6,
and the number of intermediate support members is one greater than the number of the one or more vertical support members. 7. The method of claim 6,
wherein at least one of the intermediate support members is connected to one of the one or more vertical support members. The method according to claim 1,
The first and second side portions extend from the rear portion beyond the beveled portion such that a recess is defined by the first and second side portions and the beveled portion to receive one or more glass sheets. Device characterized in that it becomes. The method according to claim 1,
The middle part is:
one or more vertical support members connected to the inclined portion and equally spaced from each other between the first and second side portions;
an elongated horizontal support member connected to each of the first and second side portions and the vertical support members;
one or more inclined support members, each of the one or more inclined support members connected to the base and the elongate horizontal support member; and
one or more horizontal support members, each horizontal support member being connected to the inclined portion and the elongate horizontal support member;
each of the one or more vertical support members is connected at a junction, intersected by the elongate horizontal support member, to which both one of the one or more inclined support members and one of the one or more horizontal support members are connected. Device characterized in that. The method according to claim 1,
and a plurality of pairs of lateral support restraints configured to reduce lateral movement of the one or more glass sheets. The method according to claim 1,
further comprising four securing members, each securing member connected to the support panel proximate the first and second side portions, the securing members configured to secure the one or more glass sheets relative to the support panel and configured to operatively engage the one or more glass sheets for The method according to claim 1,
wherein the beveled portion is further connected to the rear portion at an end distal from the base. The method according to claim 1,
and the intermediate portion is further connected to the base. The method according to claim 1,
and the support panel is fixed to the inclined portion. The method according to claim 1,
wherein the support panel comprises metal. A seat support frame comprising:
The seat support frame includes a base, a rear section, two side sections, a support section, and an intermediate section,
the base includes a front side, a rear side, and two lateral sides;
the rear section comprises a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members, the vertical and horizontal members each being in a plane of the rear section;
one of the plurality of vertical members is connected to the base proximate one of the rear side and the lateral sides, and another one of the plurality of vertical members is connected to the base proximate the other of the lateral sides becomes,
each of the plurality of horizontal members spans from one of the lateral sides to the other of the lateral sides such that each of the plurality of horizontal members engages a respective member of the plurality of vertical members; one is further connected along its length to the base proximate to the rear side;
each of the side sections comprises a vertical member, one or more inclined members, and a plurality of horizontal members, each member within one of two parallel side section planes;
The vertical member of each of the side sections is connected to the base proximate to the rear side and one of the lateral sides, the one of the plurality of vertical members of the rear section or the plurality of vertical members of the rear section further integral with one of said other of the members;
A lower portion of each of the one or more inclined members is connected to the base proximate one of the lateral sides, and each of the one or more inclined members is such that a respective lower portion of the inclined member is an upper portion of the inclined member. inclined relative to the vertical member further away from the vertical member;
each of the plurality of horizontal members is connected to at least one of the vertical member and the inclined members;
the support section comprises a plurality of inclined members and a plurality of horizontal members, each member within the plane of the support section;
each of the slanted members is connected to the base and is angled with respect to the back section plane such that a lower portion of each of the slanted members is further from the back section plane than an upper portion of the inclined member;
one of the inclined members is integral with one of the inclined members of one of the side sections, and the other of the inclined members is the other of the inclined members of the other of the side sections. become one with one,
each of the plurality of horizontal members spans from one of the lateral sides to the other of the lateral sides such that each of the plurality of horizontal members engages a respective member of the plurality of inclined members, the plurality of horizontal members being one of which is further connected along its length to the base at a location between the front side and the rear side;
the intermediate section comprises a plurality of horizontal members, one or more elongate horizontal members, a plurality of vertical members, and a plurality of inclined members;
each of the one or more elongate horizontal members is connected to all of the side sections, and at least one of the plurality of horizontal members is connected to at least one of the support section and the one or more elongate horizontal members, the plurality of Each member of the horizontal members of is in the midsection horizontal plane,
each of the plurality of vertical members is connected to the support section and one of the elongate horizontal members;
each of the plurality of inclined members is connected to the base at a position between a position where the one of the plurality of horizontal members of the support section is connected to the base and the rear side of the base;
each member of the plurality of vertical members and each member of the plurality of inclined members are in one of a plurality of mid-section vertical planes, each mid-section vertical plane being parallel to the side section planes;
one of the elongate horizontal members, at least one of the plurality of inclined members, at least one of the plurality of vertical members, and at least one of the plurality of horizontal members all include the support section, the rear section; connected to each other at a junction located between the side sections and the base;
The support section further comprises one or more short horizontal members, each of the one or more short horizontal members connected to one or more inclined members of the support section, from one of the lateral sides to the other of the lateral sides. spans a distance in the plane of the support section that is less than a distance of ;
One elongate horizontal member of the middle section is positioned vertically below the other elongate horizontal member of the middle section, the middle section comprising:
short vertical members connecting the one elongate horizontal member of the middle section with the other elongate horizontal member of the middle section; and
one or more support inclined members for connecting with one of said one elongate horizontal member of said intermediate section and said short horizontal member of said support section;
Each of the side sections includes:
a short vertical member connected to said one elongate horizontal member of said base and said intermediate section; and
and a short horizontal member connected to the one elongate horizontal member of the intermediate section and the vertical member of each side section. A structure for transporting glass, comprising:
frame; and
a support panel; and
The frame is:
a base comprising a front side, a rear side and two lateral sides, each lateral side connecting the rear side and the front side;
a rear portion connected to the base proximate to the rear side of the base;
first and second side portions, each side portion being connected to the base proximate to one of the lateral sides of the base and further connected to the rear portion;
an inclined portion, the inclined portion being connected to the base between the front side and the rear side, the inclined portion being further connected to the first and second side portions; and
an intermediate portion between the rear portion and the beveled portion, wherein the intermediate portion is connected to the inclined portion and the first and second side portions;
the support panel is configured to interface with the inclined portion, the support panel having a maximum difference between a highest point and a lowest point on the surface of the support panel;
The frame further comprises one or more inclined members connecting and between the middle portion and the rear portion, or any one of the inclined portion and the intermediate portion, wherein the highest point on the surface of the support panel and the and the maximum difference between the lowest points is reduced by approximately one-half for a frame without the one or more inclined members. 19. The method of claim 18,
connected to the first and second side portions, further comprising a plurality of securing members configured to secure the glass, wherein at least one of the securing members is in contact with the glass along at least 50% of its length structure with 19. The method of claim 18,
connected to the first and second side portions, further comprising a plurality of securing members configured to secure the glass, one of the securing members being at least 50% greater than a structure not including the one or more angled members A structure in contact with the glass over a large length.

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